Arsenal are lightweight in the forward department at present with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri all out injured.
The knee injury picked up by Jesus in Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United has led many to suggest the Gunners need to reinforce in January. Mikel Arteta is open to recruiting but only if the right player becomes available.
“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We have been since day one,” Arteta told the media ahead of the North London Derby.
“It would be naive not to do that because there is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad. Especially with the circumstances we have. So yes, we are looking and let’s see what we are able to do.”
One striker who Arsenal have previously been linked with and who could be available this winter is Evan Ferguson. The 20-year-old has seen just 373 minutes of action for the Seagulls this campaign and a short-term loan move could be on the cards. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has not ruled out a January move, either.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together,” Hurzeler said on Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s Premier League trip to Ipswich on Thursday. “This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent [Facundo] Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.
“We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt. In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton.
“So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful. So, that’s why I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it’s more about what is best for the player.”
football.london reported last year that Arsenal had been tracking Ferguson, with the striker believed to be a player of interest. At the time, it was said Brighton valued the Irish international at more than £100million which made a deal unlikely, although a short-term deal could suit all parties nearly one year on.
West Ham have been linked with Ferguson in this window and new Hammers boss Graham Potter gave the Republic of Ireland international his Brighton debut during his time on the south coast. With this in mind, Arsenal may need to act quickly but signing Ferguson on a loan deal until the end of the season may somewhat solve their striker issue.
It must be said that Arsenal have already filled their two domestic loan spots this season, with Neto on loan from Bournemouth and Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. For Ferguson to join on a short-term deal, one of Neto or Sterling would need to leave the club. With the goalkeeper yet to even play and Sterling yet to impress, either could depart, which would open the door for Ferguson to join.
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